The needle usually should be held with the right hand known as the puncturing hand. The left hand, known as the pressing hand, pushes firmly against the area close to the acupoint or presses the needle body from both sides to assist the right hand. The needle should be inserted coordinately with the help of both hands. The following are some of the commonly used methods of insertion in clinical treatment:
Nailing insertion of the needle (Inserting the needle aided by the pressure of the finger of the pressing hand): Press beside the acupoint with the nail of the thumb or the index finger of the left hand, hold the needle with the right hand and keep the needle tip closely against the nail, and then insert the needle into the acupoint (Fig. 108). This method is suitable for puncturing with short needles. Holding insertion of the needle (Inserting the needle with the help of the puncturing and pressing hands):
Hold the needle tip with sterilized dry cotton balls held by the thumb and the index finger of the left hand, keep the needle tip on the skin surface of the acupoint. Then insert the needle into the skin with both hands (Fig. 109). This method is suitable for puncturing with long needles.
Relaxed insertion of the needle (Inserting the needle with the fingers stretching the skin): Stretch the skin where the acupoint is located with the thumb and the index finger of the left hand, hold the needle with the right hand and then insert it into the area between the two fingers (Fig. 110). This method is suitable for puncturing the acupoints located on the regions with loose skin.
Lifting and pinching insertion of the needle (Inserting the needle by pinching the skin): Pinch the skin up around the acupoint with the thumb and index finger of the left hand, insert the needle into the acupoint with the right hand (Fig. 111). This method is suitable for puncturing the acupoints where the muscles are thin.
The above methods can make the insertion smooth and alleviate pain. These methods are selected according to the anatomical features of the needled area and the depth of needle insertion in clinical treatment.